<p>Pastors are frequently given or asked to read certain books. Some are helpful, others not so much. This work by Susan Armitage will prove to be a very helpful resource for those who counsel or pastor married couples. As a pastor, I have already been able to apply the learning from this book in marriage counselling. </p> <p>Couples marry with all the best intentions. But over time we see something in our partner we had not seen; they see something in us, too. This triggers an angry response. We all carry forward into our marriages the legacy of emotions and thought processes developed since childhood. We learned from our parents how to be parents and partners. We picked up, very early on, our “natural” responses to stress and anxiety, anger being one common response. </p> <p>This book addresses the background causes of anger as a secondary response to abandonment, shame, stress, anxiety and other triggers. With this book as a resource, the caring counsellor or pastor can bring a couple to better understand their anger triggers and get them <i>Over the Walls of Anger</i> and back into each other’s loving arms.<br> —Rev. Dr. Keith J.P. Daly</p>

<p>In <i>Over the Walls of Anger</i>, Susan Armitage offers a well-designed and thoughtful focus upon anger as a psychological as well as behavioral pattern. One main achievement is that she makes attachment theory relevant to anger management clients and counselors. Most of her chapters begin with a couple quarreling, then describes the problematic emotional cycle that has arisen between them, goes on to describe how such cycles are developed and maintained, and then concludes with sensible questions designed to help readers address the personal relevance of that chapter's topic. More specific advice is offered near the conclusion of the book, adding impact to the volume. I highly recommend this book for couples working together on their anger issues as well as for individuals concerned about how their anger affects their intimate relationships. <br> —Ronald Potter-Efron, M.SW, Ph.D. <br> Author of over twenty books, including <i>Angry All the Time, Letting Go of Shame</i> and <i>Healing the Angry Brain</i>. </p>

<p>In this book Susan Armitage has distilled the key elements of Family Systems Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, Emotional Intelligence and spiritual resources, and has applied them specifically to the issue of anger in couple relationships.  The book is clear, concise, well researched and well documented.  It is filled with helpful vignettes that help to illustrate the theories. Insights are given to help understand the roots of anger. The book offers practical suggestions for working through the anger. The book will be useful both to clients and to therapists.  I have already used some of the strategies and will be recommending the book to others. <br> —Paul D. Scuse, DMin<br> Associate Professor of Counselling (Tyndale University College and Seminary) <br> Clinical Director (Emmaus Counselling Services) <br> Registered Psychotherapist (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) <br> Registered Marriage and Family Therapist (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy) </p>